By: Josie Nelson

The holidays can bring such a whirlwind of emotions and expectations that can be difficult to manage. On one hand, you could be feeling excited about traditions and upcoming family gatherings. On the other hand, you could be nervous and even fearful of being hurt or triggered by past experiences. These seemingly contradictory feelings can make it that much harder to navigate the celebrations to come and can leave you doubting the joy of the season.

At ARO, we want to help create more PEACE than dread this upcoming holiday season. We’ve made an acrostic poem for memorable tips to carry with you whenever you need.

Plan Ahead: Decide what your holiday safety needs are and how you can communicate those needs to the people around you. Try to anticipate and avoid situations that would be painful for you.

Event Expectations: Once you identify your needs and what makes you feel safe, create a list of events and gatherings you may be invited to and determine which ones will be best to attend or not. There can be immense power when you choose to say no, and you’re not selfish for doing what is best for you and your well-being.

Acknowledge your Feelings: Try to recognize and label what you’re feeling and give yourself adequate space and time to process difficult emotions. When triggering events or painful memories occur, it may feel more natural to numb or ignore those feelings to protect yourself from more hurt, but this will only create unhealthy coping responses. It’s okay not to be okay.

Celebrate New Comforts: If there’s music, foods, or even specific decorations that are triggering for you, then give yourself permission to create new traditions and experiences that bring you comfort. Allow this space to try new things that you’ve wanted to but never have.

Enjoy the Encouragement: You deserve to be surrounded by those who encourage you and support you in your healing. It may not feel 100% natural right away, and that’s okay. Just remember that you are worthy of the effort people show to gain your trust, and slowly, you’ll see who brings you peace when you need it.

You deserve PEACE this holiday season.

ARO is committed to breaking the cycle of abuse through education and support. Learn more about our mission at GoARO.org, and please consider donating to support our goals of reaching survivors all over the world.